Sheet feeding mechanism for printing presses



c. F. RooT 1,810,929

SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES June 23, 1931.

Original Filed March 5, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet l June 23, 1931. c. F. RooT 1,810,929

SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM EOR PRINTING PRESSES Original Filed Maxczh- 3, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 @d gam@ 'um A TTORNEYQS INVENTOR.

June 23, 1931. c. F. ROOT SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM FQR PRINTING PRESSES Original Filed March 5, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 June z3, 1931. c. F. ROQT 1,810,929

SHEET FEEDING MECHANISMFOR PRINTING PRESSES Original Filed March 3, 17927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORN Y6 c. F. RooT 1,810,929

SHEET FEEDING MEGHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES June 23, 1931.

Original Filed March 5. 1927 5 Sheets-SheetV 5 INVENTOR. 6774/1/65 j /TOOZ ATTORNEYS to hold a stack S of such sheets onto the `platen 1, when in the open or sheet receiving position shown in the several figures, as just explained. It will be evident, however, that the principle of operation involved may also be applied to a reversal of this operation, i..e. to the .transfer of successive sheets from such platen to a stack on the table or another table similarly mounted adjacent to the press.

The detail construction ef the table forms no part of the present disclosure except that, as best shown in Fig. 1, it is arranged to support the sheets on edge, i. e. in a position approximating the vertical, the lower edge of a sheet, i. e. the one whereon it thus rests on the table, being designed to occupy the more advanced position after the sheet has been transferredto the platen. A vertical shaft or pillar 41, adjustable as to height, serves as,

a support for table 3, the latter being in turn angularly adjustable about the upper end of said support.- The tableV is also provided with an adjustable back-stop 5 and means (not shown) will desirably be provided for automatically advancing such stop as the stack of sheets is depleted se that the foremost sheets s will always occupy a relatively fixed position on the table and thus with respect to the sheet transferring or feeding mechanism.

.In order to transfer such sheet, it first requires to be slightly raised in the plane it normally occupies at the front of the stack S, this in order that its lower edge may clear the lcorresponding edge of table 3. Thereupon the sheet is carried through a general arcuate path in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, such path at the same time curving downwardly so that the sheet when finally brought to rest will lie in contact with platen 1 and'be accurately positioned` thereon for printing. The main supporting lnember of the sheet feeding or transferring device consists of a vertical tubular shaft 10 (see Figs. 2 and 9) that is mounted so asto be capable both of oscillation about andreciprocation longitudinally of its axis. A suitable bearing 11 permitting such movement is provided-for the upper end of said shaft on a bracket 12 that iscarried by plate 13 adapted to be attached to the one side frame of the press, e. g. the

' right hand'fside, as shown in the drawings,

suchplate also serving to carry various other supporting elements and operative parts,` as will be presently described, so that these parts maybe assembled thereon wholly independently of the press. The lower end of shaft 10 is vfitted around anVV aligned tubular shaft 14 of smaller diameter that is fiXedly held in another bracket 15 carried by said plate 13.

Adjustably 'secured to shaft 10 is a collar 16 wherewith a roller fitted arm 18 engages.

The other end of said arm is fulcrumed aboutV a `pivot 19 on plate l3'and has intermediate of itsends a roller 2O that rides on a disk c am segmental pinion -25 that meshes with a rack- 26 transversely reciprocablyl held in suitable guides on plate 13. 27, connected with one end of saidr rack through a multiplying lever 27a, tends normally vto move the same to the left, as viewed in Figs.y 2 and t, while theother end ofthe rack (see 10) is engaged by a-cam 28 coaxial with cam 21 that periodically moves said rack in the opposite` direction. By reason of the form of pinion 25, it will be seen that oscillatory movement may be imparted to shaft 10 through the means just described, irrespective ofthe vertical position of said shaft due to the action of cam 21 and lever 18 which operativelyconnects said cam with A compression Vspring theshaft for the :purpose of reciprocating the,

latter. Y

independently attached to the side frame of the press, at a'point located above plate 13, is a bracket Varm 30 (see Figs. 1 and 2)v a laterally projecting portion-35 formed with an arcuate slot 36 in which is received a stud 37 mounted on bracket, 30 and having a knurled nut 33 threaded'on its projecting end. n The slot 36 is/concentric with respect to pivot 34 and itwill accordingly be seen that the guide Vmember 31 maybe angularly adjusted about suchv pivot and held in predetermined fixed position within the limits of arcuate slot 36 by first loosening thernut 38 and then again tightening-the same.

Slidably held in the elongated slot'32 in guide member 31 is a block 40 (see Figs. 8 and 11,) whichblock carries or guides a horizontally extending tubular arm 41 that constitutes the direct support for the main element of the member which in turn carries the sheet engaging and transferdevices, specifically consisting of a plurality of sucker will be observed, is carried upwardly beyond Y such pivot. The plate is also provided withtips 42, aswill be presently described in more siones as by'a plug 43a, the contiguous end 4la of Y transverse bearing formed therein.

As a result of the foregoing construction,

it will be seen that carrying member 4l in` eflect has a universal pivotal connection with said block, being free to oscillate independent-1y about said stud 45 and about the axis of tubular shaft 43. In addition, said meinber 4l is capaole of bodily movement incidentally to reciprocation of said tubular shaft- 43, ot which it constitutes in effect a continuation. l Y

. Mounted on tubular shaft 43 is a surround ing tubular housing k that encase a. compression spring 5l, the lower end of which bears against a colla-red sleeve 52 lined against longitudinal movement on said shaft by a clamp ring 52a, while the upper end bears against a l Vdisposed vsleeve 53 that is integra-l with head reversely 44, and forms in effect aclosure the corresponding end of the housing. lt will be i noted that sleeve 53 is orovided with two ins 54 that slidably engage in short longitudinal slots 55 in the housing 50, whereby the housing with its appurtenant parts and the head j 44 with its appurtenant parts are held aga-inst relative rotative movement, although limited reciprocatory movement is permitted between such housing and the tubular shaft upon which it is mounted, on the one hand, and said head on the other hand. Due to its engagement with the collars on sleeves 52 and 53, the action of spring 5l is normally to retain the shaft 43 and Vcasing 50 (and thus head against relative movement. However, it will be seen that the upward reciprocation of said shaftand housing may continue, at least until the bottoms of slots 55 contact with pins 54, even though'the headr be held against further movement in that direction y engagement of block 40 with the upper end of guide-slot 32.

The lower end of the tubular shaft 43 is Vconnected with the Lipper end of tubular sha't f vided through such joint between the hollow interiorsjof the two shafts. Figs. 13 'and 14 show another similar form of universal joint 6l in which, however, the air passage is rendered continuous by interposing a short i section 62 of flexible hose.

serves. also to Fixedly secured to housing 50 is Yan angular bracket 65 to whichan arm 66 is in turn pivotally attached at itslower end about an axis 66a, the upper endV of such arm carrying a roller 67 mounted ona transversely extending stud 58. The position of this roller, the axis of which it will be seen primarily lies par-'f allel to theaizis of tubular member 4l, may be shifted transversely` of such axis byanguiar adjustment of arm 55 and the latter is adapted to be held in selected position by means of al Vclamp screwk 69 that passes through ay slot 70 in bracket 65 and has threaded engagement with the upper end of said arm.

Oscillatorily mounted upontubular member 4l is a second tubular member 7l to which is attached in parallel offset relation a tu-y bular extension 72. As best shown inY Fie'. 8, said member 7l is retained in place by means of awasher 7l:L secured to aplug 41c that forms a 'closure for the corresponding end of tubular arm 4l.` Adjustably clamped to member 7l is a curvedcam arm 7 3, so disposed and termed as to be adapted toengage with said roller 67 as said member 7l along with member 4l, upon which it is mounted, is swung in 'a horizontal plane incidentally to oscillation of tubular shaft 43. A tension spring 74, suitably attached at its lower end to housing 5() (e. g. to the clamp 65EL whereby bracket 65 is attached to said housing), and at its upper end to a radially projecting arm 7 5 on tubular member 7l, serves to rotate the latter in a clockwise direction, as

Vvier-.ved in Fig. 7, so as to cause cam arm 7 3 laterally,rin riding againstthe roller 67 af- Y' fords a control determining a rocking or oscillation of member 7l; and by adjustment of the relative position of the roller along the cam, the extent of such rocking movement is readily governed. Y Y

As a result of the construction just described, oscillation. of shaft 43 about its axis atthe same time causes member 7l to swing through a corresponding arc., The housing 50, however, being attached to the'head 44, does not partake of this movement nor therefore'does the roller G7. Accordingly, swinging movementof member 7l at the same time automatically causes it to oscillate about its own axis. j c

A tubular extension is telescopically adjustably held in tubular extension 72 of member 7l and such extension-75 in turn supports successive telescopic extensions ,77 and 78, such extensions respectively carrying the sucker tips 42, vshown as three in number. The actual number,'however, of such ltips is a matter of choice and, ify desire-d, they may be all carried by a single extension or for that matter could be carried directly by tubular arm 72, exceptfor the limitation this would impose in the matter of transverse and angular adjustment of such suclrer tips.

Connected with the lower end of shaft 14C and lying at right anglesthereto (see Figs. 2 and 15) is a cylindrical valve casing 8O Within which reciprocably operates a hollow cylindrical valver 81. Such valve has a port'82 init-s side wall that in one position is adapted to register with the opening in shaft leland in another position with an opening 83 to atmosphere. The valve is also provided with a laterally projecting pin 8st held in a slot 85 in the casing and projecting` therebeyond so as to be enageable with the slotted lower end of a bell crank lever 86 that is pivotally attached to the plate 13 and periodically operated by means of a cam 89 coaxial with the other camspreviously referred to and operating in unison therewith. The valve Vcasing 80. is connected by means of a-hose 87, or equivalent flexible duct, with a suction'line 88 whereby-under operating conditions a vacuum is created in the system of tubular shafts and members when the sucker tips 4t2 are sealed as by picking up a sheet of paper; that is, when the valve 81 is positioned with port S2 in register with the opening'in shaft 14. However7 with the port in register with opening 82, the vacuum is broken Vand the sucker tips accordingly rendered inoperative.

There is also shawn in Figs. 1 and 2 an exhaustblast line 90 which is connected by means of a duct'Ql with a blast device that exten ls along the front edgeof table 3 and serves to flutter the foremost sheet s of the stacl.:V S and thus facilitate the removal of such sheet from the stack.

The detail construction of the telescopic carrier arm for the'suclrer tips ,42 is shown in 16, which is a central longitudinal section through the outermost section 78 (see Fig. and the next adjacent sligatly larger section 7T. Instead, however, of the smaller section directly slidablyhtting within the outer end of section 77,1 thelatter is provide-ilL with a sleeve 95 that is'brazed or other wise firmly united totheendofY thetube 77. The sleeve projects slightly beyond the tube d, such projectingl end-being slit and being fitted with a transverse clampV screw 96, whereby it andthus the tube end may be iirmly cT mped ar und the smallerl telescop-` ing sec ion p78.' As a result of theforegoing construction, such last mentionedl smaller tube, it will be seen, may project beyond theV opening 9^? in the l ilger tube leading to theV correk -Sending sucner tip without block ing otl' suchopcning as would otherwise be the case. stthe saine time a firm support is provided 'for the smaller section of the tubular arm and the latter maybe secured as firmly as desiredto the larger section. 1t will be understood that the construction as Y fixed position.

Leidens just described is employed at each point inthe tubular carrier arm where a smaller section telescopeswithin a larger one. v

The general operation of the mechanism need only be briefly described by way of rsume, the operation of the several component parts having already been fully set forth. The stack S of sheets, as previously explained, is supported von table 3 so that the'foremost sheet s will always occupy a The VVposition of the sheet transferring mechanism, and more particularly of the swing arm that carries the sucker tips, where the latter are disposed to engage such foremost'sheet of the stack, is

shown in `dotted outline in each of Figs. l,

2 and 3, the position of the parts in question as shown inV full lines iiirsaid figures being the one occupied after the sheet has been vmoved toits proper place on the platen l.

The sheet in being thus transferred from the Vstachv to the platen` is initially vraised slightly to facilitate its disengagement from the table and is then carried through an approximately 90 degree arc, at the same time y being lowered, and as a result of such conf joint oscillatory and vertical movement, it

yis deposited on the platen substantially parn allel therewith and without necessity for further shifting or other adjustment with respect to the gauges on said platen. Such adjustment of the lnal position of the sheet, in other words, is provided for by adj ustinent of guide 31 which, when angularly inclined with respect to the vertical, functions to shift Vthe axis of oscillation of the swinging carrier arm incidentally to its vertical reciprocation. There may of course be the case where the guide is secured in vertically adjusted position, in which event such axis will not be shifted, but thisvwouldsuit only'one particular size of sheet at the most and-a corresponding fixed location of such sheet when deposited on the platen.

However, whether thus vertically positioned or angularly inclined,I the upper end i of the guideway in member 31, it will be noted, at'all times intersects the axis 34 about which said member is pivotally adjustable, s0

ythat when the slide l0 Voccupies .its upperkmost position, the stud support 45 of the carrier member will lie in substantial alignment with said pivotal axis when the carrier member is 'raised to its uppermost position; ln other words, the carrier member is always Y returned to the saine starting position Vso that no adjustment in location of the stack is evernecessary whether the sheets composing Y the staclv'b'e large or small or of different sizes at dilferenttiines. j Y

Byjvarying the angular adjustment of guide 31, as will be best seen upon referring to Fig., 2, the forward edge of the sheet as it is deposited on theplaten. will be brought more or less closely adjacent the lower or l forward Vedge of the platen. The requisite adjustment of the guide is a very simple matter and permits of extremely accurate location of the sheet'in the respect noted. The transverse location of the sheet is of course determined by the transverse position initially occupied by the stack on the table.

In order to seat properly in the various positions, the sucker tips'on the carrier arm obviously require to be disposed at a different angle with respect to the axis of the latter or rather of the main supporting element 41, about which the arm proper is oscillatory in the two limiting positions of the arm, and

such angular movement is automatically imparted 'during the swinging of ,the arm through the arcuate path just described by interengagement of cam arm 73 with roller 67. Since the adjustment of the roller carrying arm 66 with relation to particular portions o-f the cam curve makes possible a regulation of the timing and extent of such engagement, .this yprovides simple and convenient means forvarying the amount of such angular movement of the sucker tips about their axis of oscillation on supporting member 41, and adj ustment for different conditions of usage is readily had. Vertical reciprocatory movement of the tubular shaft 43, which constitutes the direct support for the carrier arm, is converted into movement in an angular direction whenever the guide 31 is secured in a position inclinedto the vertical; lthat is,

throughout the major portion of such vertical reciprocatory movement of the member in question. However, irrespective of whether guide member 31 is inclined or not, the slide 40 is designed to reach the upper limit of its travel in the slot 32 in said guide member before tubular shaft 43 is raised to its uppermost limit. The result is that said tubular shaft at this stage partakes of a slight vertical movement independently of the slide 40 .and of the head 44 with housing 50 mounted on said slide, in which theupper end of said tubular shaft is in turn held. This lslight movement occurs just after the carrier arm has been brought into position to engage a sheet on the table 3, with the result that the first movement imparted to the sheet vis a slight vertical movement. Following this the sheet now' disengaged' from the table is low- Vered astubular shaft 43 returns to its normal position with respect to head 44 and then the general lowering movement of the head along with the slide, to which it is attached', follows. i

Coincidentally with such vertical raising and lowerirnr of the arm, as well as with its normal lowering. movement, a continuous swinging movement is of course beingrimparted thereto in a clock-wise direction as viewed in Fig. 3. Accordingly, thesucker tips immediately start -to carry the outermost sheet, or at least the lower edge thereof, away from the rest of the stack.` The movement of such lower edge will be such as to carry it along and over the projecting front portion of inclined table 3, and, since the outer sucker tip travels on an arc of greater radius than the others, more rapid movement will be imparted to the corresponding end of the sheet, @then se stated, the. le thand side of the sheet as viewed in Fig 3 will be cleared of the table in .advance of the right hand side, the sheet as a whole being givenaturning movement. This greatly facilitates the separation of the outermost sheetfrom the one next thereto, i. e. prevents the picking uppof more than the one sheet. Y

As previously noted, all of the mechanism for operating the sheet transferring device proper is carried on a single plate 13 which is `adapted to be readily attached to the side frames of `existing presses. The bracket 39, which carries the angularlyv adjustable guide member `31, is similarly `capable of rea-dy attachment to such a press, as isalso the pillar 4 which supports the feed table, this being carried on a heavier bracket secured tothe side framejust below plate 13. The feed table, as well as the operating mechanism for the carrier arm that constitutes the main operative element of the sheet transferring mechanism, are all located to one side of the platen so as to leave the front of the latter unobstructed, an arrangement possessing obvious. advantages over sheet feeding mechanisms that are located directly in front of the platen and so require to be removed whenever access to the latter is necessary. The number lof parts involved has beenreduced to a minimum and the mechanism rendered correspondingly simple and less likely to lgetout 'of .order Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead-of the Y one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by vany of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed. f I therefore particularly point out and dis- .tinctly claim as my invention i 1. In mechanism i. of the characterV described, the combination of a support oscillatory about and r'eciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; al guide member wholly independent of .and normally occupying a fixed position relativelyito said support; a horizontally extending membei' movably attached to said guide member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; andv lconnections, includingv a uni-V versal joint .between said support and said carrying member, whereby 'oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter. 1

2. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a support-oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; and connections including a universal oint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement ofthe former is im- 3. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide member wholly independent of and normally occupying a lxed position relatively to said support, said guide member being adjustable in an approximately vertical plane; a horizontally extending member movably attached to said guide member and carrying 'a sheet engaging and moving device; and connections including a universal joint between said sup-port and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement oi' the former is imparted to the latter.

4. In mechanism of the character depart-ed to the latter. Y

scribed, the combination of a support oscillatory about andreciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide member wholly independent of and normally occupying a xed position relatively to said support; a horizontally extending member movably attached to-said guide member and carrying a sheet engaging and `moving device; and connections"including a universal joint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the Jformer is imparted to the latter, the latter being also oscillatory about its own axis.

fii

5. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide member wholly independent of and normally occupying a xed position relatively to said support; a horizontally extending member movably attachedto said guide member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; connections including a V`universal joint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter, the latter being also oscillatory about its own axis; and means adapted thus to oscillate said carrying member incidentally to its reciprocatory movement.

6. In mechanism of the character described, tlie combination `ot a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide Vmember whollyindepe'ndent of and normally ahorizontallyl extending member vpivotally attached to saidV block andfcarrying a sheet engaging and moving device; and connections including a universal joint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter.

7. In mechanisml of the character described, the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide member wholly independent ofand normally occupying a fixed position relatively to said support; a block slidably held in said guide; a horizontally extending member having a universal pivotal connection with said block and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; and connections including a universal vjoint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter.

8. In mechariism ofthe character described, the combination of a' support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; an adjustable guide member wholly independent .of and normally occupying a fixed position relatively to said support; a block 'slidably held in said guide; a horizontally extending member pivotally attachedto said block and carrying asheet engaging and moving device; and

connections including a universal joint between said support and said carrying member, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter. f

9. In mechanism of the character described,

the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a guide member f wholly independent of and normally occupying a fixed position relatively-to said support, said guide member being adjustable in an approximately vertical plane; a block slidablyfheld in said guide; a horizontally extending member having a universal pivotal connection with said block and carrying a sheet Yengaging and` moving device; and connections including a universal joint between said support and said carrying meinber, whereby-oscillatory and reciprocatory vmovement of the' former is imparted to the latter.

10.In mechanism of tlie'character described, the combination of ra horizontally extending member carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; and means supporting i said member arranged and constructed to impart thereto a compound vertically reciprocatory and horizontally oscillatory movement, said means being adapted to impart an independent vertically reciprocatory movement to said member.V 1. i i

11. Inv mechanism` of the character described, the combination of a horizontally .extending member carrying 'a .sheet engaging and moving device; and means supporting said member arranged and constructed to impart thereto a compound vertically reciprocatory and horizontally oscillatory move ment, said means being adapted to impart an independent vertically Vreciprocatory movement to said member in one angular position thereof about its axis of oscillation.

12. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a horizontally eX- tending member carrying a. sheetv engaging and moving device; means supporting said ent vertically reciprocatory movementto said member; and adjust-able means adapted variably t'o shift the axis ot oscillation ol said member incidentally to such` reciprocatioii thereof.

14. Inl mechanism ot the character described, the combination oic a horizontally ei;- tending member carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; means Vsupporting said .member arranged and constructed to impart thereto a compound vertically reciprocatory and horizontally oscillatory movement, said means being adapted to impart an independent vertically recipiocatory movementtoV said member; and a. guide member for said carrying member.

15. In mechanism of. the character described, tlie combination of'a horizontally eX.- tendiiig member carrying aV sheet engaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed to inipart thereto a compound Yvertically reciproc-atory and ho izontallyoscillatory movement, said means being adapted to impart an .independent vertically reciprocatory movement to said member; and a .v'uide lmember 'for said carrying member normally occupy ing a fined position. y

16. ln mechanism of the character described, the combination of a4 horizontally eX- tending member carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed to impart thereto a compound vertically reciprocatory and horizontally oscillatory movement, said .ioving device, saidl carrier member bein vand carrying a sheet engaging and means being adapted to impart an inde pendent vertically reciprocatory movement to said member; and an aiigularly adjustable guide member for said carrying member normally occupying a Xed position.

17. In mechanism of the character 'de scribed, the combination oi a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an airis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said head so as to'be longitudinally rccipi'ocable and oscillatoryA relatively thereto; and a horizontally extending member mounted on sail first-named member and carrying 'asheet engaging and moving device.

18. In .mechanism of the 'character' described, the combination ot a guide; a slide held in said guide; a hea-d pivoted to said Nlide about an ams transverse ot sai-d guide;

'a member mounted in said head so as to' be longitudinally `reciprocable and oscillatoryV relatively thereto; and a horizontally extending member mounted on said first-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and n. b n l,

Valso oscillatory about its Wn axis.

ln mechanism of the character described, the combination oic a guide; a slide 1 i slide about an axis transverse ol said guide; a member mounted iii said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory.

relatively thereto; and a horizontally ein tending member mounted on said first-named device, said carrier member being also oscillatory about its oivn airis and including an ollset extension vvlieieto said device is attached. Y

20., ln mechanism ot he character de,- scfribed, the combination-ot a guide; a slide held in sai-d guide; a head pivoted to said slide about au amY transverse of said guide; a member mounted inl said head so as to be longitudinally recipiocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally extending member mounted on said drst-immed member moving device, said ca rier member being also oscil# latory about its own airis; and means adapted thus to osoillate said carrier nicmberupon oscillation oie saidA head. Y

2l. ln kmechanism ot the character described, the `combination of a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an airis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said. head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally extending member mounted on said first-named meinber and carrying av sheet engaging and moving device, said carrier member being valso oscillatoryabout its oivn axis; and adjust able means adapted thus to oscillate said carield in said guide; a head pivoted to said f lli? rier niembera predetermined amount upon oscillation oi said head.

ln mechanism ot the character dcscribc'd, the combination oi a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a. member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontallyv extending member nio ated on said first-named member and carrying Va sheet engaging and moving device, said carrier member being also oscillatory about its own axis; and means adapted thus to oscillate said carrier member upon oscilla; of said head, said means including a cam arm on said member and a fixed elef ment on said head wherewith said arm engages.

23. In mechanism oi the character described, the combination of a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally extendingV member mounted on said iirst-named member and carrying a sheet engagingY and moving device, said carrier member being also oscillatory about its own axis; and means adapted thus to oscillate said carrier member -upon oscillation of said head,`saidfmeans including a cam arm on said member, a lixed element on said head wherewith said arm engages, and a spring adapted to retain said arm in contact with said element.

24. ln mechanism ot thev character described, the combinationoi a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an` axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; ai horizontally extending member mounted on said first-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and movoscillatory aboutits own axis; and Vmeans ada )ted thus to oscillate said carrier member upon oscillation ot said heath-said means in- Vcluding a cam arm on said member, a roller .secured in adjustable lixed relation to said bead whercwith said arm engages, and a tension spring adapted to retain said arm in contact with said element. i

In Vmechanism oie.` the character described, 'the combination of a guide; a slide heldv in said guide; a head pivoted tosaid slide about an axis transverse ot1 said guide; member mounted in said head soas to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; means normally restraining such reciprocation of said member; and a iorizontally extending member mounted on said `first-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device.

26. ln mechanism of the character deing device, said carrier member being also slide about an axis .transverse of said guide; y x

a member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; acompression spring surrounding said member; shoulders on thelatyter and ksaid head against which said spring presses so asnormally to restrain such reciprocation oi said member; and a horizontally extending member mounted on said lirstnamedmember and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device. I 28. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a guide; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; a compression spring surrounding said member; shoulders on the latter and said head against which said spring presses so as normally to restrain such reciproca-tion of said member; a housing for said spring attached tosaid head; co-operative `stop .elements on said housing and member adapted to limit such reciprocation of the latter; and a horizontally extending member mounted on said first-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device.

29. In mechanism` of the character'` described, the combination'of a guide; aslide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said headl so as to be longitudinally reciprocable Vand oscillatoryY relatively thereto; means adapted to reciprocate and oscillate said 1nember,'reciprocation of the latter carrying said head therewith; means limitingsuch reciprocation of said head, whereupon said member is free to reciprocate `further independently thereof; and a horizontally extending member mounted on said first-named member and carrying a sheet .engaging and moving device.

'ioo

tion of the latter 'carrying saidhead Vtherewith, said guide bein formedto limit movement of'said slide and thus reciprocationv ofsaid head in one direction, whereupon said member is free to reciprocate further independently thereof; and a horizontally extending member mounted on said iirst-named member and carrying a sheet engagingand moving device. Y. v

3l. In mechanism of the character described, the combinationoin aguide angularly adjustable Y in an approximately verticalV plane; a slide held in said guide; ahead pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said hea-d solas tobe longitudinally reciprocable and oscillatory relatively thereto; means adapted to reciprocate and oscillate said member, reciprocation of the latter carrying said head therewith, said guide being formed to limit movement of said slide and thus reciprocation of said head iii one direction, whereupon said member is free to reciprocate further independently. thereof;

and a horizontally extending member mountvto be longitudinally reciprocable and also oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally extending member Vmounted oni-said firstnamed member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; and connections including av universal joint between' saidA support and said first-named member whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory inovement'of the former is imparted to the latter.

33. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally ofv an approximately A vertical axis; VVa guide wholly independent of and normally occupying a fixed position yrelatively, to said support; aslideheld in said guide; a head-pivoted to said-slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a. member ymounted Vin said head so as to belongitudinally recip'rocable and also oscillatory relativelyA thereto; a horizontally vextending member mounted on ysaidirst-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving-device; yielding, means normali* retaininosaid member and head against relative reciprocation; and connecmember whereby oscillatory and reeil'oroca-A tions including a universal oiiit`V between said support Vand said iirst-named'V member wherebyoscillatory and reciprocatory move-A` ment ofthe former is imparted to the latter.

. 34. In mechanismy of. thek character described, the `combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally 1 of an approximately vertical axis; a ,guide wholly independent of and normally occupying a fixed positionrelativcly to said support;

a slide held in said guide; a head pivotedto Y l saidslide about an axis transverse ofisaid guide; a member mounted in saidhead so as to be longitudinally reciprocable and also oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally lextendingmember mounted Aon said firstnamed member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; yieldingmeans normally retainingy said;v member y andy gliead against relative reciprocation; means limiting reciprocation of said head;fand coiin'ec tionsincluding a universal joint between said by oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the ormeris imparted to the latter.'

sof"

Support and said first-namedmember'where- 35. In mechanism of the characterdescribed, the combination ofga support oscilla.- tory about Vand l,reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately vertical axis; a ,guide wholly independent of and normally occupying a fixed position relatively to said sup` port; aslide held in said guide.; ahead piv oted to said slide about .an axis-.transverse of said guide; a member mounted inl said' head so as to be longitudinally reciproca-ble'` and also oscillatory relatively thereto; a hori- Zontally extending member mountedv on said rst-named member and carrying 'a sheet 'engaging and moving device; yielding means normally retaining said member andV head against relative reciprocation, said guide being formed to limit movemento said slide and thus reciprocation of'said head in oneV direction; and connections including a universal joint between saidsupport and said first-named. member whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement offthe former is impartedto the latter, V

V36. `In mechanism. of the-characterV de-4 scribed, the combination of a support oscil- Ylatory about and reciprocable longitudinallyv of an approximately'vertical axis; a lguide wholly independent of andl normally occupying a fixed position relatively to said support a slide held in said guide; a head'pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; Val'member mounted in said .head so as Ato be longitudinally reciprocableiand also oscillatory relatively thereto ;k a Y horizontally extending' member mounted on said firstnamed member and carrying `a sheet engaging and moving device, said carrier member being also oscillatory about its own axis; and

connections including a universal 'joint betWeen said supportxand said first-named torymovement of the former is vimparted to the latter. i

scribed, the combination of asupport oscil-V latory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximatelyV vertical axis; a guide wholly independent of and nc-rmally occupying a fixed position relatively to said support; a slide held in said guide; a head pivoted to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted in said head so as to be longitudinally reciprocable.andfalso oscillatory relatively thereto; a horizontally extending member mounted on sa-id firstnamed member 'and carrying a sheet .engagV ing and moving device; said carrier member being. also 4oscillatory.about its own axis and including an offset extensionwhereto said device is attached; and connections including a universal joint between said support and said first-named member whereby oscillatory Y andreciprocatory.movement of the former isimparted to the latter.

38. ln mechanism of the character. described; the combination 'of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable longitudinally of an approximately verticalaxis; a guide wholly independent ofV and normally occupy-V ing'a fixed position relatively to said supporti; a. slide heldin `said. guide; a. hea-d pivotcd to said slide about an axis transverse of said guide; a member mounted inrsaid head so as to be longitudinally reciprocableand also oscillatory relatively-7 thereto a khori- Azontally extending member mounted on said first-named member and carrying a sheet engaging and moving device, vsaidicarrier member being also oscillatoryaboutits own axis and including an olfset extension whereto said `device is attached; means adapted thus to oscillate said carrier member upon oscillation of said head; and connections including a universal joint between saidsup- Vport'and said first-named member whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory'movement of the former is imparted to the latter.

. 39.1n mechanism of the character described; the combination of a support oscillatory about and reciprocable Vlongitudinally of an approximately vertical; axis ga guide member wholly independent of and normally occupying a fixed position relatively'to said support; a horizontally extending member movably attached to said guide-'member and.

carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; connections, including a universaljoint, between said support and said carrying meinber, whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement ofthe former isimparted lto the latter; meansoperatively connected with'said.

support to reciprocate the same; and other means adapted simultaneonsly to oscillatey isaid support.

Y40.` In mechanism of the character described,V the combinationof a;support oscillatoryf about j and reciprocable longitudinally Y of an approximately verticalaxis; a guide, i g member wholly independent of and normally occupyingl affixed position relatively to said y support; a horizontally extending member movably attached to said"y guide member and carryinga sheet engaging and moving kdevice; connections; including a universal joint,

between said support and said carrying member; whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of the former is imparted to the latter; a leveroperatively connected with said support to reciprocate the same; and

means adapted simultaneously to oscillate said support, said means including an elongated pinion fixed on said supportand :a transversely reciprocable rack meshing y.with

I sL id pinion.

tions between said support and said carrier member;l whereby oscillatory and reciprocatory movement of kthe former isimparted to the latten an air-tight duct extending from said support to said carrier member.

42. ln Vmechanism of the. character described, the combination of a xed vertical tubular shaft; a tubular support sleeved at vone end von said shaft so as to be oscillatory about' and reciprocable longitudinally of the axis thereof; va bearlng for said support above saidshaft; aguide wholly independent ofj and normally ccupying a fixed position relatively to said support; a horizontallyvk extending tubular meinbervmovably attached to said guide fand carrying sucker tipsforvengaging and moving asheet; and connections including a universal joint between said sup-V port and said carrier member; wherebyoscil latory and recprocatory movement of the former is impartedV to the latter,lan air-tight l ductjextending through such joint support to said carrier member.-

43The combination -withthe platenof a printing couple cfa vertical support'located in a position laterally adjacentto said platen; a table locatedl adjacent the saine side of said platen so as to leave the front of the latter from said -clear and unobstructed; said table being adapted to support a stack of sheets on edge and in approximate alignment with such side; and sheet-transferringmeans carried bysaid support in approximately arcuatepath between said platen and table. Y

44; Thev combination with` the platen of a printingcouple; of a vertical support located in a position laterallyadjacent to' said platen;

artable llocated adjacent the same side of said platen and adapted to support a staclrof sheets on edge; and sheet-transi'i'erringmeansA sa-id 'means also being capable of independent vertical movement along two angularly related lines. Y

46. The combination with a printing couple including a platen; of a horizontally ex-V tending memher carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed simultaneously to impart thereto a reciprocatory movement and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis located adjacent to one side Vof Vsaid platen; and a table located adjacent the sanie siderof said platen Vand adapted to supportA a stach of sheets on edge.

47.V Thecombination with a printing couple including a platen; of a. horizontally extending member carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed simulta-V neously to impart thereto a reciproc'atoiy movement along two angularly related lines and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approxi-mately vertical axis located adjacentV to one side of said platen; and a table located adjacent the same side ot said platen and adapted to support a stack of sheets on edge. v

48. The combination with a printing couple including a platen; of a horizontally extending member carrying a sheet engaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed simulta neously to impart thereto a reciprocatory movement along two angularly related generally vertical lines and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis located adjacent to one side of Vsaid platen; and a table located adjacent the same side of said platen and adapted to support a stack of sheets'on edge.

'49. The combination with a printing couple including a platen; ot a horizontally extending member carrying asheetengaging and moving device; means supporting said member arranged and constructed simulta kneously toimpart thereto aA reciprocatory movement and a. horizontally oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis 'located adjacent to one side of said platen; and a table loca-ted adjacent the same side of said platen and adapted to support a stack of sheets on edge, the reciprocatory movement of said member when Yswung into proximity to said tablel being morev strictly vertical than during the remainder of its oscillatory movement. f f Y 50. The combinatio-n with a printing couple including a platen; ot a horizontally extendingmember carrying a sheet engaging vand .nioviiigdevice; means vsupporting said member arranged and constructed `simultaneously toimpart thereto 1 a reciprocatory movement and a` horizontallyv oscillatory-- Imovement about an approximatelyy verticalV axis located adjacent to one side ofV said plat-V en and a table located adjacent the-same sideosaidplaten and adapted to support a stack of sheets on ed ge7 the reciprocatory movement of said member whenswung into proximity ao y to said 4tab-lei being alonga strictly verticalY line `and being along .an angularlywrelated line duringthe remainderot itsoscillatory movement.

'51. The combinationwith a printing couple including a platen; ot a horizontally ex' tending member carrying asheet enga-ging and moving device; means lsupporting said memberfarranged and constructedsimultayii'eously to impart thereto. a reciprocatory f movement and a. horizontally 'oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis locatedadjacent to one sidej ot said platen; and a table located adjacent the same side of said platen and adapted to support a.`

stach of sheets on edge, the yreciprocatory movement of said member when swung into proxiinityto said tablebeing along astrictly vertical line and being along a liney of adjustable angularityto the vertical during the Yre-l l mainder Vot its oscillatory movement.

52. Inv a method of transferring a sheet.v

from a stack supported on edge to aniapproximately horizontal platen, the step whichr lconsistsiin imparting to the lower edge of Y suchpsheet a compound vertically reciprocatory movement and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis.

53.' Inka method of transferring a'sheet,

from a. stack supported on edge to an ape proximatel-y horizontal platen, the step which consists in imparting to the lower edge .ot

suchsheet a compound vertically reciprocatory movement along two angularly related lines and a horizontally oscilla-tory movement about an approximately vertical axis.' Y*

54C. ln a Kmethod of transferring a sheet from a stack supported on edge to an approximately horizontal platen; the step which consists in' imparting to the lower edge of such sheeta compound vertically reciprocatory movement along two angularly relatedA generally-vertical lineseand a horizontally'os'cillatory movement about an apjgiroxiiiiately`v vertical axis. Y Y

55.V In a method oftransi'erring a sheet from a stack supported on "edge to anapproXimately horizontal platen, the step which consist-s in imparting to the lower edge of such sheet a compound vertically reciprocatory movement and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approiimately vertical axis., such reciprocatory movement being more strictly vertical at the beginning than during the remainder of the oscillatory move-v A ment ci the sheet. "j 56. ln -a method of transferring a sheet j from a stack supported on edge .to an approxi-` mately horizontal platen, the step which consists in imparting to the lower edge of sch sheet a compound vertically reciprocatory movement and a horizontally oscillatory movement about an approximately vertical axis, such reciprccatory movement being along a strictly vertical linek at the beginning ofthe oscillatory movement, and being along an angularly related line during the remainder' of .the oscillatory movement of the sheet.` y

57.Y In .mechanism of the character described, the combination of a tubular carrier arm section having a lateralv opening, a section telescopic Within said iirst-named section,r and a spacer between said sections'y whereby snc-h lateral opening remains unobstructed in all positions of the telescopic section. .Y Y

58. In meclianismof the character described, the combination of a tubular carrier Cil arm section, a section telescopic within said first-named section, a Sheetfengaging tlp'on said telescopic section, and a sleeve interposed between said sections.

y, 59. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a tubular carrier arm section, a section telescopic Within said iirstenained section, a sheet-engaging'tip on said telescopic section, andl an interposed sleeve'projecting from the end of said iirstnamed section, said sleeve being slit at .its eX- posed end and having a tightening screw.

Signed by me, this 26th day of February,

' CHARLES ROOT; 

